The City that Encompasses It All Past Review
By Kelsey F (Environmental Studies, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) - abroad from 06/24/2015 to 07/24/2015 with
ISA Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain
Life experiences that taught more than I've learned in my four years here at Michigan. It was truly the one school experience where I know I can apply (life and school lessons) to the rest of my life. It was SO worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were challenging but they really wanted you to learn and remember, not just memorize for a test. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were always available and extremely nice. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved living in an apartment, but wish I would have done a homestay so I could have used my language skills more. |
| * Food: |
Yum. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The people of Barcelona and their culture is amazing. So welcoming. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100/week maybe less |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save up as much as you can because you'll want to use that money to have new experiences like eating out. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 232. I learned more of the language in 1 month than 2 semesters of Spanish at school |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Try and talk/text with your friends in the language. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | To be present |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
